scientist

Paleoclimatologist Dr. Allegra LeGrande studies ancient climate patterns, applies them to our present, to help predict what our future might be. One of the few female scientists in her field, she hails from a fourth-generation Texas oil family, and works through a collaboration of Columbia University and the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Is there a culture of racism in the environmental movement? Or are the only people who care about conservation white males? It turns out that African-Americans are at least as supportive of environmental issues as middle-class whites, and Hispanics exceed both groups in their levels of support.

Moving on from the risk of global warming, scientists are now looking for ways to pinpoint the areas set to be affected by climate change, to help countries plan everything from new crops to hydropower dams.

Five scientists pushing the boundaries on environmental topics have been awarded the prestigious $500,000 prize, as part of the 24 total from many disciplines. Includes an expert working on global bee decline, an innovative spider silk biologist (stronger than steel!) and water quality engineer.